6 Collectible Money Gifts for the Holidays

By

John Waggoner,

If you’ve ever gotten a U.S. Savings Bond as a holiday gift, you probably remember the seconds of fun you had with it. And that’s the problem with most money-related holiday presents (with

the exception of cash, of course) — they’re usually not as exciting as an iPhone or a bike. Nevertheless, if you shop carefully, you can find a money gift that will bring a smile.

Roman denarius

Price: $55 and up at coin dealers

If you have a history-minded friend, consider an ancient coin, such as the denarius, the standard Roman silver coin during much of Rome’s history. The denarius weighed about 4.5 grams, which

would translate into roughly $3.30 at today’s silver prices.

As with all coins, the price you pay depends on condition and rarity. Many coin dealers offer denarii in good or fair condition — meaning “worn but mostly legible” — for $55 or so. You can

get a list of coin dealers from the American Numismatic Association.

Very rare and well-preserved coins go for much more. A Denarius of Brutus — yes, that Brutus — can fetch more than $300,000. The coin was struck to commemorate the assassination of Julius

Caesar. With Brutus’ head on the front and two daggers on the reverse, it’s the only Roman coin to celebrate a murder.

Price: $35 at